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Farmers warned to watch for grain industry threats

Grain farmers in WA have been told to watch out for unusual signs that could mean pests and diseases in their paddocks.

Grain farmers have been warned to protect their bottom lines and watch out for biosecurity threats this harvest.

The Department of Agriculture and Food in Western Australia issued the warning following the discovery of wheat leaf rust pathotypes for the first time in the state.

Biosecurity officer Jeff Russell says farmers need to investigate anything out of the ordinary that they notice in their crops.

He says diseases like rust and other issues like carnal bunt, which hasn't yet been found in Australia, can be prevented from spreading by early detection.

"In WA, we are heavily reliant on our export markets, and a lot of these pests and diseases can play havoc with our market access to overseas countries, so we need to be vigilant right across the whole supply chain," he said.